Chapter 2

Aurora's POV

My face dropped as I could feel the weight of Helena's words pressing down on me.

I wanted to say no, but the doctor's words kept ringing in my head. With a heavy sigh, I finally nodded, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Fine. I will marry him, as long as you keep your promise."

"Of course, I will keep my promise, as long as you do your part," Helena replied.

Lydia, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, couldn't help but interject, "Of course, she would do her part. Not like she has a choice." She smirked, adding, "You both suit each other. If we think about it, it's not like you're useful, and neither is he."

Before I could respond, Helena cut in, "Since you've agreed to marry Luca, we need to start planning the wedding immediately."

I was stunned, my heart racing at the suddenness of it all. True, I had agreed to marry Luca, but I didn't expect it to happen so soon.

A wave of anxiety washed over me. That wasn't even my biggest problem right now. I needed to ensure my mum's medical expenses would be settled quickly.

Helena studied me for a moment. "The wedding will be on your eighteenth birthday."

My stomach churned at the mention of my birthday. I hadn't even thought about the date. My eighteen years had never felt so heavy.

I tried to steady my breathing. "My birthday...? Why that day?"

Lydia snickered. "Oh, it's perfect, isn't it? A birthday gift, a wedding gift... all in one. You're turning eighteen, after all. No better time for a sacrifice."

Helena ignored her. "It's not just a random choice. You'll understand soon enough. Now, the preparations can't wait. We must act quickly."

"Okay, no problem," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "But when are you going to pay the bills? The doctor said she needs treatment as soon as possible."

Helena's expression shifted slightly, her brow furrowing as she processed my words. "You don't need to worry. I will handle it as soon as possible," she said.

A few days later, Helena agreed to let me see my mum before the wedding. I went back to the human world to see her. The doctor told me that the bill had been settled by an anonymous sender.

The doctor assured me that my mum's treatment would start soon, so I went to bid her goodbye. I couldn't even bring myself to tell her I was getting married, so I lied, saying I was going on a trip.

She held my hand, her grip weak but warm. "Tomorrow is your birthday, isn't it?" she said softly. "Happy birthday in advance, my sweet girl. I wish I could do more."

A lump formed in my throat. My birthday- no cake, no candles, no celebration- only a forced marriage to a man everyone feared.

I forced a smile and squeezed her hand. "That's more than enough, Mum. Just get better for me, okay?"

If only she knew.

The ride to the wedding venue was suffocating. I sat in the back of the car, staring blankly out the window.

Helena had planned everything perfectly. Eighteen was a significant age for a werewolf. It marked the transition into adulthood, the moment we truly became one with our wolves. And she had used that against me. By marrying today, I would be bound by werewolf law before my strength could manifest.

My hands clenched in my lap. The car slowed, and through the tinted glass, I glimpsed the grand estate, the towering floral arrangements, the guests mingling in polished suits and flowing gowns. It was a perfect wedding- except for the bride.

The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the faint sound of laughter and music drifting from the nearby reception area. I adjusted the delicate lace of my dress, my heart pounding with a mix of uncertainty and fear.

I had walked down the aisle, standing beside Luca, but I couldn't even raise my head to look at him. Everything still felt surreal, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

Who was I marrying? I had never even met Luca before today. I knew his name, his reputation, but not the man himself. I didn't know the sound of his voice, the way he carried himself, or if he even wanted this marriage.

It was terrifying. I wasn't stepping into marriage- I was walking straight into the unknown.

But I couldn't watch my mum die. She was all I had, and this was the only way I could help. That was the cruel reality of this arrangement.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. A chill ran down my spine. I felt an unusual warmth coursing through my veins, a sensation I had never experienced before.

"What's happening to me?" I whispered to myself, glancing around.

A voice echoed in my mind, soft yet firm. "Embrace it, Aurora. Don't be scared."

Startled, I looked around, but no one was there. "Who are you?" I managed to ask, my heart racing.

"I am your wolf, Eva," the voice replied.

A rush of emotions flooded me. I wasn't surprised- I had always known I would meet my wolf one day. But why now?

"You're finally here. I've waited for so long," I said, my throat tightening.

"I don't know if I'm making the right choice. I'm trying so hard not to regret my decision, but it's not easy," I admitted, my grip on the bouquet tightening.

Eva hesitated before speaking. "Our mate is here."

The words froze me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my pulse hammering. I prayed it wasn't Luca.

"Yes, he's here. Look up," she urged.

And for the first time, I raised my head to look at Luca. He was staring at me with a smug, disgusting smile, but I felt nothing. Relief flooded me.

I was about to speak when Eva's voice rang again. "Not him. Look to your right."

Wait. If it wasn't Luca, then who?

I turned, and at that moment, disbelief crashed over me like a wave. The man standing there met my gaze, his expression a mixture of shock and something deeper- recognition. The intensity in his eyes sent a jolt through me, igniting a spark I never expected.

Oh, no. This can't be true!